Exodus 21:7-17

7 "If a man sells his daughter as a slave, she is not to be set free, as male slaves are.

8 If she is sold to someone who intends to make her his wife, but he doesn't like her, then she is to be sold back to her father; her master cannot sell her to foreigners, because he has treated her unfairly.

9 If a man buys a female slave to give to his son, he is to treat her like a daughter.

10 If a man takes a second wife, he must continue to give his first wife the same amount of food and clothing and the same rights that she had before.

11 If he does not fulfill these duties to her, he must set her free and not receive any payment.

12 "Whoever hits someone and kills him is to be put to death. ¹

13 But if it was an accident and he did not mean to kill him, he can escape to a place which I will choose for you, and there he will be safe. ²

14 But when someone gets angry and deliberately kills someone else, he is to be put to death, even if he has run to my altar for safety.

15 "Whoever hits his father or his mother is to be put to death.

16 "Whoever kidnaps someone, either to sell him or to keep him as a slave, is to be put to death. ³

17 "Whoever curses his father or his mother is to be put to death. ⁴

Exodus 21:7-17 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO EXODUS 21

In this, and the two following chapters, are delivered various laws and precepts, partly of a moral, and partly of a religious, but chiefly of a civil nature, respecting the commonwealth of Israel, and its political good. This chapter treats of servants, and laws relating to them; to menservants, how long they shall serve, and what is to be done to those who are desirous of staying with their masters after their time is up, Ex 21:1-6, to maidservants, and especially betrothed ones, either to a father or a son, Ex 21:7-11, likewise it contains laws concerning the slaughter of men, whether with design or unawares, Ex 21:12-14, and concerning the ill usage of parents, Ex 21:15,17, and man stealing, Ex 21:16 and of mischief that comes by men's quarrelling and fighting, Ex 21:18,19 and by smiting a man or maidservant, Ex 21:20,21,26,27, to a woman with child, that is, by means of men's striving and contending with each other, Ex 21:22-25 and of damages that come by oxen, or to them, Ex 21:28-36.

Cross References

• 1. 21.12Leviticus 24.17.
• 2. 21.13Numbers 35.10-34;Deuteronomy 19.1-13;Joshua 20.1-9.
• 3. 21.16Deuteronomy 24.7.
• 4. 21.17Leviticus 20.9;Matthew 15.4;Mark 7.10.